Burgundy Wine Trade Flashcards
Historically how was trade conducted in Burgundy?
went through large négociants who would buy grapes, must, or finished wine from other growers
When did this change and why?
1980s, moved towards more more domaine bottling
List some well-known and well-regarded négociants in Burgundy, many of which date back to 19th Century?
Albert Bichot
Joseph Drouhin
Louis Jabot
Bouchard Père et Fils
What has there been an increase of since 2000s?
Domaines who also act as négociants such as Domaine Dujac
List the different types of organisations and what they do (5)
- Growers: vineyard holdings that sell their grapes or unfinished wine to négociants (several thousand)
- Domaines: business that own vineyards, make wine and sell under own domaine label
- négociants: large businesses that buy grapes/wines, finish them under their own name
- micro-négociants: smaller businesses that buy grapes from v good to top quality vineyards and sell under their own name: ie, Benjamin Leroux
- Co-operatives: Less important in Côte d’Or but more predomoninant role in Chablis, Mâconnaise (Côte Chalonaise)
Why do so many domaines have similar names?
Inheritance laws in France where children have status of equal inheritors of an estate
What has led to a significant rise in Quality?
Flying winemakers, more technically trained young winemakers have led to a more adaptable and open-minded approach to winemaking
How much burgundy is sold in France?
50%
How much Burgundy is sold to other EU states
25%
Who are the largest export markets?
USA, UK, Japan
What are the drivers for the price in Burgundy
Name of Domaine, appellation including single vineyard name.
Well-regarded domaines can fetch high prices for their village wines,
eg, Super-Premium price for Domaine Armand Rousseaux Gevery-Chambertin AOC can outpace 1er Cru from same village/lesser-known producers
What can Village names act as in terms of style?
Village names can act as indicators of subtle style differences in both reds and whites
Volney = elegance and intensely perfumed nature of red wines
Pommard = robust, tannic wines
Describe 2 styles of 1er Cru wines from Mersault
Perrières = steely concentration
Charmes = full body and approachable style
List how the wines can be sold
En Primeur
Specialist Wine Shop
Fine Dining establishments
for lesser levels - Supermarkets and hospitality
What is the production level now in Burgundy vs Bordeaux
Due to weather hazards and high land prices = 1/4 of Bordeaux